FABLES. 



225 



THE LION IN LOVE. 



THE Lion by chance saw a fair Maid, the 

 forester's daughter, as she was tripping over a 

 lawn, and fell in love with her. Nay, so violent 

 was his passion, that he could not live unless he 

 made her his own; therefore, without more delay, 

 he broke his mind to the father, and demanded the 

 damsel for his wife. The man, odd as the proposal 

 seemed at first, soon recollected that, by complying, 

 he might get the Lion into his power; but, by 

 refusing him, should only exasperate and provoke 

 his rage. Accordingly, he seemed to consent; but 

 told him it must be upon these conditions: that, 

 considering the girl was young and tender, he 

 must let his teeth be plucked out, and his claws be 

 cut off, lest he should hurt her, or at least frighten 

 her with the apprehension of them. The Lion was 

 too much in love to hesitate; but was no sooner 



VOL. IV. 2 G 



